Security for organisations
More and more organisations are realising the benefits of installing a wireless network that lets employees access information wherever they are on site - not just at their desks.
But if you want that freedom and increased usability, you need to make sure that you don't weaken your wireless network's security. Here are some network security guidelines.
Match your security levels to your business needs
To protect your network from security breaches, we suggest you start by assessing your organisation's wireless security needs, then:
- choose the level of user authentication and data encryption that suits your needs. For example, if you're a small business, you may not need, or have the resources for, an all-embracing security solution
- select a security standard that suits your needs. Security standards are based on IEEE 802.11 and range in levels of security encryption. You should choose a standard that gives the right level of security for what you need to protect
- develop enterprise wireless network security policies and set up quarterly performance objectives based on these policies
- regularly scan for rogue or unknown access points - or use network management systems that detect them
- change default management passwords and Secure Set Identifier (SSIDs) on access points
- implement the appropriate IEEE security specifications
- work with employees to make security a shared responsibility
- explain to employees the risk of setting up rogue access points - access points set up without the knowledge or consent of the network administrator - where it's often wrongly believed that security settings are turned on
- set up a system where users know the names of the access points, and stress the importance of connecting only to these known and approved access points
- educate users about the security risks of connecting wirelessly using peer-to-peer networks
- make sure users understand they should only access the corporate network from public or shared wireless networks via a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- show users how to check and set up security settings on their laptop or device
and
Check and review your security policies
To keep protected against future security threats, make sure you keep your security policies up to date with regular checks and reviews.
We suggest you:
Involve your users as partners in security
Maintaining wireless network security is a challenge for IT professionals. Involving and educating users in the benefits and risks of wireless networks can help you manage these challenges - and reap the benefits.
We suggest you:
A note about our free Cisco VPN security software
Please don't use our free Cisco VPN security software if you're already using - or have installed - other VPN software.